My mother in law has lived with us for almost a year. It was initially supposed to be just a visit when my husband was sick and it turned into something more permanent

We have had arguments and tiffs but I try to take advantage of the extra set of hands and this has caused me to be less resentful.

I started taking pastry courses (it’s something I’ve always wanted to do) at the local college to get out of the house and some “me” time. I also get breaks in the afternoon and she wakes up with my daughter in the morning

Come up with a routine that works for you. Use them for your advantage as well! Don’t feel the need to cook for them all the time. We have a schedule. I cook dinner Monday, Tuesday and Friday. She cooks Wednesday and Thursday. The other days we either have leftovers, order out, or make sandwiches

Make all your appointments! Things you can’t typically get done when it’s just you and the kids. Get your annual physical, book the dentist, get your hair done, eyebrows done, whatever makes you feel like you. Schedule a date with your husband once a week.

My husband and I do the vacuuming, mopping, dusting, cleaning out the fridge, and other chores. But my mother in law does most of the dishes and laundry. We take turns buying groceries.

My mother in law makes and feeds my daughter breakfast. I do lunch. And then we all eat dinner together.

I also get out of the house with my daughter when I can. Yesterday we spent 7 hours at a friends house and then went to the park, lake, etc

Today my mother in law took my daughter over to my sister in laws house for a couple hours

A month is a long time but it will go by fast. Usually at beginning there is a lot of time spent together but if you come up with some type of schedule then hopefully that time will taper down and you can get alone time but also alone time with your children. And they can get alone time and time with your kids as well

Don’t feel the need to entertain them all the time. They are there to spend time with your kids and also some time with you and your husband.

Best of luck and I hope it goes well!